I have a 4" L frame Combat Magnum and am heavily leaning toward a Tom Threepersons holster. I really like the looks of this style holster. The thing is I've never owned one or carried one so I'm not sure how well I will like it in my real world application. Since it's going to take a few months to save up for a $200+ custom tooled holster I don't want to get it and then decide I hate it.

I suppose I'm wondering about the retention qualities of the open top design, I'm not going to be running and jumping, or busting down doors but I am pretty active. I'm not an every day carrier but I would like the rig to be sort of concealable under a sport coat or heavy un-tucked wool or flannel shirt.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Not certain if you've settled on a holster maker yet, but check out Lobo Gun Leather. Ray makes a beautiful Threepersons model and is highly spoken of around here. His prices are extremely reasonable. I'm anxiously awaiting a Lobo flap holster for my 624.

If you want one as a field/range holster it'll serve you well. I have one for my 4 5/8" Blackhawk .45. Looks good, well made and comfortable. They are available with either an over-the-hammer snap strap or the old style thong for retention.

I have made many of them over the years and the design is a true classic, no doubt there. But if your principal concern is concealment, I'd opt for something designed with that emphasis. The Threeperson design was never intended to be a concealment holster, and frankly, neither was your revolver designed particularly for concealment in mind. It is certainly more a service size revolver by any description. That being said however, doesn't necessarily mean you can't get to where you want to go, but the Threepersons rig is better utilized afield and unencumbered. I'd recommend that you take your time and investigate as many options from as many makers as you possibly can, to minimize "buyer remorse". For that particular revolver, I'd be thinking about a shoulder rig. I don't offer one, but an awful lot of very competent custom makers do. Among some of the best, in my opinion, is Mike Taurisano of Tauris Holsters, LLC. Also check with Ray at Lobo Gunleather, very capable maker who also crafts a fine product. Good luck!

Cheers;
Lefty

Sorry Lefty ... An oversight on my part not mentioning you. I've heard great things about your work!

No offense taken, my ego isn't that big. There are so many fine custom makers today out there, anyone would be hard pressed to know them all. The OP had a good question and I'm sure he will receive plenty of sensible responses and opinions. To reiterate, the Tom Threepersons design is an American classic and that is undeniable. I think if the OP truly admires the Threepersons design in particular, he should have one, despite the fact that it may not serve his principle needs. Different tools for different jobs. I don't know many fellows who own one holster, but I do know there are many holsters one man can own. Choosing the right one for your particular needs requires some careful thought, and discussion with others never hurts.

Cheers;
Lefty

+1 for Ray's carved Threepersons rig.




Also, couldn't agree more with what Lefty said. I got the Threepersons holster for use as a field rig, and it's absolutely perfect for that role. You could carry it concealed under a loose, heavy topcoat, but it's not really designed for that. At least not with a 4" N frame in it.

I carried a 4" K frame in one of El Paso Saddlery's version one winter. You need a rather large coat for it to work and they are a bit slow into action. But like others have said, it makes for an excellent field holster.

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Centennial Every Day

As the above mention, Threeperson's holsters are not particularly good for concealment, but, wonderful for open carry. El Paso Saddlery makes a good one and even carved to the max stays at less, slightly, than $200.

Here's an old variation of the Threepersons made for small S&W J frames and Colt D frames. I no longer offer this model in our web catalog, but still receive orders for them from time to time. They ride high and work in concealment, but for very small guns at best.

FLATFOOT SPECIAL


Cheers;
Lefty

BTW;

That Lobo Gunleather model above is very handsomely tooled. Nice work Ray!

Here is a El Paso Conceal-Pro and it looks every bit as large as a Threepersons.

Conceal-Pro Paddle

A few other concealment holsters that look to be just as large

Model 0701 Concealment Belt Holster | Safariland
Model 5188 Concealment Paddle Holster for Pistols | Safariland
Model 5BH  Thumbsnap Holster Bianchi Leather Holsters
Galco holsters; Holsters; Gun holster, pistol holsters, western holsters, shoulder holsters, leather holster and Glock holsters



Does not a Threepersons ride in much the same manner? Why is one considered concealable and one is not? Also concealment is not my top priority, it's just one of the possibilities. If I want absolute concealment I would not choose an L frame. I'm more interested in a combat holster. My big low ride field holster is mostly concealed buy an un-tucked heavy shirt, it just hangs out the bottom.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

I'm not comfortable with any holster which does not completely cover the trigger. I'm working on an OWB holster for my 4" 29-2. It completely covers the trigger.

Thanks, Lefty, but I can't take credit for the carving. That is done for me by a very talented artist. I'm just the hack that cuts and stitches the pieces together!

I have been making this style for over 30 years, and the Threepersons' style remains quite popular. Just a couple of years ago I came across an archived photo of Tom Threepersons original holster, probably made by "Tio Sam", S.D. Myres Saddlery, about 1920. I decided to recreate the original carving pattern and commissioned several artists to replicate the original pattern, then settled on one good man to do the work.

These hand-carved classics are not a big part of my business, but they provide a great deal of satisfaction with every order completed.

Best regards.

Smith357, I think the difference between a Threepersons style and the examples you showed are that the examples all have an effort made to conceal them. I agree that some of them a large and bulky, but, there's a big difference in what we, as CCW holders, consider concealed and what a plainclothes LEO considers concealed. The Threepersons wasn't designed with concealment as the first priority.

Concealment is in the eye of the beholder I guess

Some of us could hide a Texas grapefruit if need be...

I personally find the Threeperson rig in it's original configgeration to flop around a bit too much for my taste, but that's just me talkin' here.

Been usin' this style for a decade or two now, for all frames large or small.



Su Amigo,

Dave

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

I like that holster, it's small, open, and the loop gives it that western flair, who makes it?

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

I made that one...Carry's an N frame (or any other) right comfortable all day and in to the night.


Su Amigo,
Dave

__________________
"IN GOD WE TRUST"

I have a Black Hills Leather Co. IWB holster model bh76jf for my S&W 686 4", it conceals great. The weight of my 686 is the same loaded as my 1911 5" and about the same length. One thing I have noticed is that some IWB holsters I find comfortable and some are a pain. I have a IWB Galco Royal Guard for my 1911 that is very comfortable, a Galco Summer Comfort for my Ruger SP 101 is a pain, I would rather tote my 686 above than the Sp 101 anyday.
I can actually conceal the 686 with a t-shirt no problem.

Threepersons is a poor choice for concealment and for retention, compared to modern belt scabbard designs. If you want to have a fancy one for wearing to BBQs and the like, by all means, but for the use you're describing I would suggest you look at other options.

No one....absolutely no one, can make your revolver any smaller than it is, unless you have it modified in some way by a gunsmith or change out to a shorter barrel, etc.. No sarcasm intended, I'm sure you realize that a holster cannot reduce the bulk of the weapon it ports.

The Threepersons design is considered a "drop shank belt tunnel style" that typically, places the top of the belt line lateral to the cylinder rear face in most cases. There are exceptions, (like the Chic Gaylord Combat Speed Scabard) but generally, that's how they were designed. The uncovered trigger guard, allows the weapon to be positioned higher, i.e. "high ride" as opposed to other designs which drop the weapon lower on the belt line that do not require the fold over flap for a belt tunnel. There is little that can be done with the Threepersons design to change that because of the weight balance point of the weapon. If you use a Threepersons design holster, in concealment in particular, a sturdy and stiff gun belt is critical to provide a stable drawing platform and prevents or minimizes holster drifting. I carried an M&P for decades working in plainclothes in a Gaylord Combat Speed Scabbard, which was the only real engineering improvement of the Threepersons design in 50+ years. It was later copied by SEVENTREES by the late Paris Theodore (who was an apprentice to Chic Gaylord) and enjoyed decades of popularity amongst savvy lawmen. Here's a photo of a BELL CHARTER OAK example, cut from the original dies, all of which we aquired from Chic Gaylord. This my friend, is a consumate "Combat Holster" as you say. The photo is of a Model 28 .357 HP.


The principle improvement over the Threepersons design was the forward cant, improved retention without a river strap and shrouded hammer. It is clearly a better holster design for it's time and place and minimizes the "bulk" of large revolvers such as yours. My impression from your original remarks were that concealment was an issue but now I'm uncertain about that interpretation of your post. Perhaps I misunderstood your commentary? I hope you find this information helpful. As an aside, Andy's rig (Keith 44 Spl) looks about as good as it gets with a traditional pull through or applied strap type of western rig. I've seen some of his work and it is damn impressive. Andy, you go hoss, you can stand up with the best of us!

Cheers;
Lefty

For a day at the Range, a walk in the woods, or for the Sunday BBQ, a Tom Three Persons Holster has the "cool factor" going for it. They do look nice and always have that nostalgic look. For everyday REAL concealment of a S/D handgun, there are much better choices. A speed scabbard molded to your specific gun will retain the weapon a whole lot better and NOT have to rely on straps and snaps to do it. The scabbard type holsters are available by just about every holster maker and are usually available in custom or pre made off the shelf varieties. I never likes a holster that allowed an exposed trigger, and relied on a snap as its sole method of retention. Just my .02 cents.........

Chief38

Well it looks like I have some thinking to do, While concealment is not the big issue it is one of the smaller things I am considering. My main concern is deployment speed from a classic design. I know I could get the speed from one of the new plastic fantastic skeleton holsters but those things have no soul. There are some nice mass made holster too, but there is just something about a holster where a master has actually put a little blood sweat and tears into the leather. The revolver the holster will be for is being built as a straight combat piece, so I want to gear everything towards a combat role, not that I am planning for zombies, it's just more of a personal exercise.

link to the gun in question

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

Damn! That'll be a fine combat piece, for sure. If you like the Threepersons cant and shape, but want a bit more concealment and a really nice piece of work - try this from El Paso Saddlery:

Double Agent

Guy;
The revolver looks terrific, well done. Looking at your revolver, I couldn't help but wonder though, why you'd want a classic Threepersons holster for such a "modern" style revolver. Anyway, I just thought I'd compliment you on a successful project gun. I think it looks ideal for a combat revolver, as you have configured it. Personally, I would be looking for a holster more contemporary with the age of the revolver. My old pal, Mike Taurisano of Tauris Holsters crafts a rig I think it's called "The Rancher" that is similar to the Threepersons design. It's worth a look. It's a little more contemperaneous and subtle looking. I don't believe he carves, but he does tooling. Hope this helps.

Cheers;
Lefty

For OWB concealment you might want to look at the Simply Rugged Sourdough pancake. It holds the butt in tight against the body, it is secure without additional straps, and completely covers the trigger guard.

For showing off you can't beat a Tom Threepersons design, especially if it is carved or otherwise patterned. I just received an EPS Threepersons for a 4" N-Frame, and even with it being fish scaled it only ran $114 (which includes shipping). Yes, it takes them 6-8 weeks, but one will last forever.

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Only a cold warrior

I have had a couple of the El Paso Tom Threepersons holsters before and had really good luck with them. You can't go wrong for the money but the wait takes a little while.

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Vaya con Dios

That style holster is called a "Brill" holster after the designer who was a leather smith in Austin years ago. I prefer it over the Threepersons model for looks and they seem a little more solid.

I have been rummaging through every ten dollar holster box I can find to test out different holster styles. So far I have two, an almost Threepersons style with a strap and a shoulder rig, I'm still looking for a used pancake. I don't much care for the shoulder rig, good thing I did not spend real money on one of those. The semi-T3P has a retention strap that is a pain. The belt loop is sized for a 2" plus belt and the whole holster pulls up when pulling the gun, also the extra space lets the holster itself rides a bit on the low side. I really like the comfort factor and can wear it all day. My Carhart or un-tucked flannel shirt cover it up pretty well, except when I reach for my wallet.

I remember many moons ago I had a Galco Paddle Holster for my 1911 that I loved, it was easy on, easy off, and fit me very well. It seems Galco does not make a Paddle for full sized revolvers, I would love to try one of those out.

__________________
Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

EPS makes one similar called the 1930 Austin holster.

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Centennial Every Day

I like the Brill style too.

Here's a couple of mine: A commander and a Python, both by EPS. Work "OK" with a jacket but not with a shirt or fleece.





Concealed carry: I use a IWB in a kidney position. Saturday, I was carrying a SW-19 under a flannel shirt.

Oh, I also have an Origibnal Roy's Pancake for the Python. Works MUCH better and was a $20 Bargain Bin Special.

A bit of trivia for you, Iggy. A.W. Brill's daughter was riding in the car with JFK when he was shot in Dallas.

This is one of my favorite rigs...I built it to be a pattern "fit-n-try" holster, it worked out ok.
I've worn it on and off for ten or fifteen years now.

The Threepersons style, as now made by a lot of folks, I just don't find it as stable on my hip as this holster is.
No draggin' or bangin' my grips on gate posts or truck doors and the like.

Cleaned 'er up good and she's on loan to a feller down in Austin.

Fits a 3 1/2" N frame



Su Amigo,
Dave

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

A bit of trivia for you, Iggy. A.W. Brill's daughter was riding in the car with JFK when he was shot in Dallas.

Yup, I heard she was the Gov's wife.

That's some nice work right there.

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Centennial Every Day

A cigar for Iggy.

Another vote here for the Brill style, especially for concealed carry. Iggy and I spent some time messing around with the Threepersons design before settling on the Brill (as built by Keith44SPL). We both found that the Threepersons tended to pull away from the body due to the weight of the gun. The heavier the gun, the more it pulled away. It also tended to flop back and forth because there just isn't much leather on the belt compared to the Brill. The Brill uses a much wider belt loop, thus more stability, and it is flatter and less likely to pull away with a large revolver. I haven't tried the Threepersons with a small revolver, and it may be fine for such a gun, but the Brill was much flatter and more stable with the short-barreled N frames. Just my 2 cents worth.

As Wyo stated as to the width of the belt tunnels relationship to stability...




This is the reason I designed the improved version.
I wanted a rig that rode closer for concealment, yet was comfortable for all day and into the nite wear.
Be it a horseback, in the pickup or police cruiser.
I guess all that really resembles the original Brill is the classic lines and the garter that adorns it's mid-section.

Also, the new and improved Iggy 'Pant Loop Slot' pat pendin'



Su Amigo,
Dave

__________________
"IN GOD WE TRUST"

I can make about anything you would want

Gary

SW holsters belts.jpg
Some of the holsters and belts I have done

Have you seen his NY reload holster? It should be in a holster museum!

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Iggy...are those factory rounded targets or did you do it? I have never seen that style before...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Sip,

If I recall the story right...those are VM specials....made just fer Iggy and his special tastes

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On the Oak Savannah

Yup,I carried this old model 58 with a pair I made back in 1966.
I had Mike make me some PC targets out of some boogered up ol Targets I had layin' around.


K frame.

N frame.

Smith,
I have an old thumb-snap, Bianchi pancake that has served my 4" L frame well since the early 90's. I like the Threepersons, but it sticks out too much for concealed carry to suit me.

I really like a Threeperson's for woods bumming. I carry mine on a 2.5" gunbelt (that is to say a separate belt). I like a moneybelt style for lighter guns like 4" N frames but a stiffer belt with suede lining for heavier sixguns.

I order my Threeperson's with a thumb strap whether they are SA or DA so retention isn't an issue.

If you go with a Threeperson's with thumb strap make sure you get the strap long enough past the snap to catch it easily with the edge of your hand as you draw (I like 4" extra). El Paso accommodates this request easily.

IMO, the most evolved Threeperson's is Milt Sparks 200 AW. I haven't tried one yet.

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Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas